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NASA and Boeing Extend Starliner Mission Due to Technical Issues

Starliner's return to Earth delayed to June 18 as engineers address helium leaks and thruster malfunctions.

a white space capsule hangs in the blackness of space, with earth to the right of the frame
Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, with NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams aboard, approaches the International Space Station for an autonomous docking as it orbited 257 miles above the South Pacific Ocean. Credit: NASA Television
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Overview

  • Five helium leaks detected in Starliner's propulsion system, with one identified before launch.
  • NASA and Boeing confident in spacecraft's ability to return despite technical issues.
  • Astronauts Wilmore and Williams praise Starliner's performance during docking and in-orbit tests.
  • Mission extension allows for additional safety checks and system evaluations.
  • Starliner is part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, aimed at regular crewed missions to the ISS.